SPARTANBURG, S.C. – More than 100 students from all 10 Southern Conference institutions gathered on Friday and Saturday at Wofford College for the inaugural Southern Conference Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF).

SURF featured students and faculty presenting their research projects in all disciplines of the arts, humanities and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The event provided an opportunity for undergraduates to gain valuable experience in presenting and explaining research they’ve performed in previous semesters and over the summer. Students displayed and discussed posters, gave oral presentations and performed musical and literary acts.

Among the research topics presented were whether mathematicians could find the most efficient plan to tour Disney World, how pedestrians and cyclist impact the capacity of roundabouts, and how drawing and writing affect mood. A concerto was rewritten as a piano arrangement and a chapter of a student’s novel was read.

“By all accounts, this event was a success,” said Southern Conference Commissioner John Iamarino. “We saw multiple examples of remarkable creativity in the research undertaken by our students. We want to build on this effort and expand the outreach of SURF next year.”

SURF is a byproduct of the Southern Conference Academic Exchange, an initiative started in 2014 by the 10 member institutions to work collaboratively on academic-related matters. Led by the chief academic officers, the Exchange has already operated a leadership development program for faculty and staff, paved the way for SURF, and is working on sharing international study programs.

The research forum is an example of how Southern Conference institutions can come together to work and learn outside the field of athletic competition.